Valedictorian, Class of 2025
B.S. Family Science, summa cum laude
Caitlin Christina Beasley calls Pleasant Grove, Utah, home and graduated from Pleasant Grove High School. She is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Family Science. Caitlin has been working as a pediatric CNA for over five years and largely attributes this experience for helping her pursue a career in family science. Her favorite part of attending UVU has been improving her critical thinking and collaborating with her peers. After graduating, Beasley intends to apply to the Intermountain Health Child Life practicum and internship while pursuing a career as a child life specialist.
Salutatorian, Class of 2025
B.S. Psychology, summa cum laude
JaCeelyn Smtih is from Logan, Utah, and graduated from Mountain Crest High School. She is receiving a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with minors in cognitive neuroscience and family science. Through mentorship from her professors and advisors, Smith has been able to adapt to new learning environments and technology while balancing her personal life. This one-on-one focus is one of her favorite parts of UVU, and it has helped her learn valuable time management skills and more. After graduation, Smith is considering law school or a Ph.D. program in psychology or neuroscience.
Outstanding Graduate, Class of 2025
B.S. Public Relations & Strategic Communication, magna cum laude
Hailing from St. George, Utah, Mason B. McLaughlin graduated from Desert Hills High School. He is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations and Strategic Communication. While at UVU, McLaughlin has been able to gain hands-on career experience through his program and was even a 2024 Skills USA National Extemporaneous Speaking Champion. His favorite part of attending UVU has been having access to large university resources while having a small university experience. After graduating, McLaughlin plans to pursue a career in public relations in the automotive industry.
Outstanding Graduate, Class of 2025
B.S. English, summa cum laude
Éamonn Thomas Daniel Shults is from American Fork, Utah, and graduated from American Fork High School through the Home and Hospital program. He is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in English with a creative writing emphasis, a minor in digital media, and a Global/ Intercultural Distinction. A member of the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, Shults has had an abundance of experiences at UVU, including being Editorin- Chief for the Touchstones Literary Journal, receiving an Innovation Academy Fellowship, and being published over 15 times. His favorite part of UVU has been working at the Writing Center, where he enjoys engaging with and meeting students from different backgrounds. After graduation, Shults plans to pursue an MFA in Fiction.
Outstanding Graduate, Class of 2025
B.S. History & Social Studies Education, summa cum laude
Hailing from Logan, Utah, Sarah Semadeni is a Logan High School graduate. She is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in History and Social Studies Education with a minor in music. In addition to graduating with a 4.0 GPA and history teaching experience, Semadeni has been part of two UVU operas and will be singing in Italy this summer. Her favorite part of attending UVU has been making amazing connections and learning how to teach herself so she can keep learning and growing. After graduation, Semadeni hopes to teach history in Utah and obtain a master’s degree.
Outstanding Graduate, Class of 2025
B.A. Spanish Education; minor in Interpretation Translation, cum laude
Brittany Bunker hails from Sandy, Utah, where she graduated from Brighton High School. She is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Education, a minor in Spanish for professional interpretation and translation, and a Global/Intercultural Distinction. While pursuing her degree, Bunker was able to work for the Smith College of Engineering & Technology and study abroad in Spain and Puerto Rico. Her favorite part of attending UVU is knowing faculty and staff have your back. After graduation, Bunker will travel with her family with plans for teaching in the fall.
Outstanding Graduate, Class of 2025
B.S. Philosophy, B.S. Mathematics, summa cum laude
Adhvaith Koduru is from Lehi, Utah, and attended the Utah County Academy of Sciences. He is graduating at age 17 with a Bachelor of Science in Philosophy and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics with a minor in computer science. Adhvaith was able to explore his interests and discover his passion for mathematics, philosophy, and computer science at UVU. His favorite part of the university is the sense of community and comradery he found due to smaller class sizes. Adhvaith has been accepted into a Master of Logic program at the University of Amsterdam, which he will begin in September.
Outstanding Graduate, Class of 2025
B.S. Psychology, summa cum laude
Ellie Ortiz is from Pleasant Grove, Utah, where she attended Pleasant Grove High School. She is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. While pursuing her degree, Ortiz was able to present at the UVU Mental Health Conference in October of 2024, participate in the UVU Honors Program, and earn her Advanced Substance Use Disorder Counseling 11 Certificate (ASUDC). Her favorite part of UVU has been how welcoming and caring students and faculty have been toward her. After graduation, Ortiz will start UVU’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) program in the fall.
Outstanding Graduate, Class of 2025
B.S. Sociology, summa cum laude
Gabriela Ulloa is from American Fork, Utah, where she attended American Fork High School. She is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology. In addition to being part of the UVU Honors Program, Ulloa served as Miss Wellsville 2022, Miss Zion 2023, and Miss Utah County Volunteer 2023, which earned her over $5,000 in scholarships. Her favorite part of attending UVU is the strong sense of community and “the shared drive for success among students, faculty, and staff.” After graduation, Ulloa plans to continue working as a figure skating coach and the director of the Learn to Skate program.
